"During his 12 years serving on the Dane County Board, he has shown not only his commitment to working people, but also to the taxpayers of Dane County. He has shown his constituents that you can support sensible development projects while making sure that those projects are constructed by firms adhering to Best Value Contracting principles."

Some unions, most notably AFSCME, have decided to stay out of the primary. That decision reflects a perception among union leaders that there are relatively few ideological differences among the candidates, as well as a calculation that both Hesselbein and Hulsey will be in positions of power after the race, whether in the Assembly or on the County Board, and will therefore be in positions to seek retribution against the unions who supported their opponents. Some interest groups, such as the League of Conservation Voters, have made the same calculation.

Nevertheless, next week at least one significant union will be endorsing Hesselbein. The support will imply a certain financial commitment, as well as the potential for a number of volunteers and committed voters in the district.

Even more interesting is the rumor that one union will soon be announcing its support of Green candidate Ben Manski.